The Old Rugged Cross

GodTube Staff

"The Old Rugged Cross" is a popular hymn written in 1912 by evangelist and song-leader George Bennard and it speaks of the writer's adoration of Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary.

The Old Rugged Cross Lyrics

On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old Cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies, at last, I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Oh, that old rugged Cross so despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God, left His Glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies, at last, I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

In the old rugged Cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For the dear Lamb of God, left His Glory above
To pardon and sanctify me

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies, at last, I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

To the old rugged Cross, I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He'll call me some day to my home far away
Where His glory forever I'll share

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross
Till my trophies, at last, I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged Cross
And exchange it some day for a crown

Songwriters George Bennard Published by Public Domain

The Story Behind The Old Rugged Cross

As a Methodist preacher, George Bennard wrote the first verse of "The Old Rugged Cross" in Albion, Michigan, in 1912 as a reply to ridicule that he had received at a revival meeting. Bennard traveled with Ed E. Mieras from Chicago to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin where they held evangelistic meetings at the Friends Church from December 29, 1912, to January 12, 1913. During the meetings Rev. George Bennard finished "The Old Rugged Cross" and on the last night of the meetings, Bennard and Mieras performed it as a duet before a full house with Pearl Torstensen Berg, the organist for the meeting.

The hymn uses a sentimental popular song form with a verse/chorus pattern in 6,8 time and it speaks of the writer's adoration of Christ and His sacrifice at Calvary. Bennard retired to Reed City, Michigan, and the town maintains a museum dedicated to his life and ministry. A memorial has also been created in Youngstown at Lake Park Cemetery. A plaque commemorating the first performance of the song stands in front of the Friend's Church in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

"The Old Rugged Cross" has been a country gospel favorite ever since it became the title song of Ernest Tubb's 1952 gospel album; it has been performed by some of the twentieth century's most influential recording artists.

Sourced from Wikipedia

Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace

Playlist of Great Performances singing "The Old Rugged Cross"

Spectacular Performance Of ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ Will Give Your Goosebumps Goosebumps

Family Sings Acoustic Rendition Of 'The Old Rugged Cross'

Today's Devotional

A Prayer for When You Feel Lost - Your Daily Prayer - April 27

When we feel lost, God is our true north. He is the one who can lead us where He wants us. It is so easy to get caught up in listening to the world, so sometimes, it is best to shut it out to create a quiet space for God to work.

Top Artists

The Old Rugged Cross

The Story Behind The Old Rugged Cross

Today's Devotional

Top Artists

Top Music Videos